Steve Roach & Byron Metcalf
The Serpent's Lair
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(Excerpt from track 'The Lair')
Steve Roach sure has been busy since 1998. Some might be tempted to think that releasing lots of CDs in a short while could only mean that what we are being offered is somehow diluted or worse, uninspired. This is certainly not the case with "The Serpent's Lair". This 2 CD release has Steve joining forces with Byron Metcalf, who plays various percussion instruments. Artists who collaborated with Steve in the past also appear as guests, among them: Vir Unis, Jorge Reyes, Vidna Obmana and Jeffrey Fayman.

The first CD, titled "The Serpent's Lair" has 8 tracks, and the synthesizers are not leading the show: ethnic percussions are. This is not to say that this could play in clubs, but one might not be surprised to see artists like Banco de Gaia or Synaesthesia take some samples from this album: it is simply brilliant. Some tracks have a feel that some would not find dissimilar to Peter Gabriel's "Passion" ("The Last Temptation of Christ" OST). The tracks are very atmospheric, but never dark or sinister. Neither are they serene, but they are very hypnotic, relaxing and lighter than what Steve usually produces. Didgeridoos and rain sticks are less present in this release than in past recordings. The last track is very atmospheric and it makes you think that Michael Stearns joined in, but he hasn't… The tracks from CD one are very close to "Vine, Bark & Spore". Sound quality is exquisite and production excellent. For this CD alone, you'd be justified to buy this release.

But there's another CD with 7 new tracks: "Offerings from the Underworld". This CD brings us closer to Steve's style and synths are brought back to the front. The feel is darker, somewhat menacing at times. Most tracks could have been on "Slow Heat" or "Atmospheric Conditions". But some are closer to "Vine, Bark & Spore" and "Light Fantastic" with some intense chanting and fast fractal grooves. Two tracks must be "left-overs" (very good ones) from "Prayers to the Protector" since it features some Tibetan singing and slow drums - and those tracks are well worth adding this CD to your Roach collection. Both CD are very different, but they give you an idea of all the musical territories Steve Roach can explore. Bottom line: one of his best yet, very intense but never aggressive nor intimidating. (Bruno Desjardins)

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